Margaret’s Milestone

Local Fundraisers Reach £150k for UEA Cancer Research

After more than three decades of committed fundraising, Norwich local and Honorary Fellow Margaret Doggett has raised an astonishing £150,000 to support cancer research at UEA.

From her very first fête to her most recent bake sale, Margaret – always joined by her close friend and fellow fundraiser Molly Blackburn – has made a life’s difference to cancer research in Norfolk and beyond.

“It’s never been just about putting cash in a tin,” Margaret said. “It’s about community. It’s about talking to people, having those conversations, and feeling the impact spread beyond what we could ever have imagined. Molly and I feel like part of the furniture at UEA now! And we’re proud of that.”

Margaret began fundraising for UEA 32 years ago, after watching a segment about local research on television and making a call to Dr Ian Gibson, then Dean of Biological Sciences. Since then, her efforts have helped to fund cutting-edge equipment, support PhD students, and build the foundations of what is now a globally respected cancer research programme at UEA.

The fundraising Margaret and Molly have led has directly helped position UEA as a hub for world-leading cancer research, particularly in childhood, adolescent and young adult cancers – including work on a promising new drug for bone sarcoma.

“I don’t suppose we’ll cure cancer in my lifetime,” Margaret reflects, “but I know we’ve helped. And that keeps us going.”

Margaret, Molly - thank you. You've shown what’s possible when compassion and commitment come together. Your legacy is written not just in pounds raised, but in every life this research could one day help to save.

How you can help

Your support could help fund toxicology and clinical trials to start saving lives as soon as possible.

Visit our website to find out more about this vital research, or please get in touch with our team.